Historic fiction is harder to write than a lot of people realize. An author must do tons of research to keep things real, because it just won't do to have an historian coming behind you, pointing out things that just couldn't have happened during the time of your novel.

Ms. Oliveira nailed it. This one was a page turner for me.

And like Nancy, I'd suggest reading the intro first before diving into the novel, because it's there that you get the feel of the incredible amount of research necessary to make the difference between so-so and omigosh...

no subject

I was in need of a new book to read. So,after reading your post, I instantly checked out my local library online to see if it was available, and it is! This afternoon I will pick up the copy I put on hold, but I am debating whether to get both the book AND the audio CD so I can "read" while I make the 30 min. drive to work. Hmmm. . .